Forever Grateful For the Energy Givers

Friday November 18th | 24 Cheshvan 5783

Shabbat Shalom Chevra (Friends) !! 

I’ve had a phrase that one of my students at Vanderbilt said in an Ethics with Emily program once stuck in my head recently - “there are energy givers and there are energy takers.” This stuck, and since then I’ve been leaning into this idea of choosing to surround myself with the energy givers. This concept came up when we looked at the very first verse of Pirkei Avot - “Moses received the Torah at Sinai, and transmitted it to Joshua, and Joshua to the elders, the elders to the prophets, and the prophets to the Men of the great assembly. They said three things: be patient in justice, raise many disciples, and make a fence around the Torah.” - There is a shit ton that can be discussed here - but where the energy givers and takers come from is the giving and receiving that happens in this text. Think about all the times you give and receive throughout the day? Are they equal??? Are you giving all day long - not getting anything in return? Or are you taking from everyone, not stopping enough to recognize it’s your turn to give back? Think about it for a few minutes. Where do you fall in the spectrum of giving and receiving? 

I think this concept is timely for this time of year - Thanksgiving is around the corner and themes of giving and gratitude are surrounded. Volunteering is a popular thing to do around this time, or a gratitude circle before the Thanksgiving meal (or is that just my family???) - how are you choosing to show up in these spaces? This time also comes nearing the end of the year - we are tired, it’s the busy season for many jobs, and vacations are just around the corner. How are you ensuring that you’re sustaining yourself - giving yourself the energy you need to show up as your best self, despite the tiredness and the readiness for a break? Lots of questions - I’m definitely still seeking the answers. 

This Shabbat, I offer you these questions: 

1. Who are the energy givers in your life, and how will you express gratitude for them? 

2. How can you create a bit of space between you and the energy takers in your life during this time, to ensure you  can show up as your best self? 

3. What can you do to honor yourself and find the energy to get through this holiday season? You are your own energy giver - don’t take that for granted! 

Trying something new this week…if you feel so inspired add your answers to this jamboard. See what this community is thinking about and spread the wisdom. I’m excited to see what’s on your mind! 

Thank you for being my energy givers.

Ethically,

Emily